Lois Deckard

"Learning from others, my inspirationcomes from anyone who has had physical or mental challenges of their own, far worse than mine, living their life with a positive attitude and carrying on as best as they are able."

Lois offers Inspiration!

If someone had told me a long time ago that I would get cancer after working for 41+ years and retirement in full swing, ever would I have believed them, because I’ve always been active, watched my nutrition, and never smoked. So, five months after having my annual mammogram, I found a lump and my GP called with bad news about the results of a second mammogram. Positively confirming that yes, indeed, I have cancer. I had two choices: let it take me down, or I could annihilate it. Ready to begin the fight of my life, I took the cancer by its terrible tumor toes. And started pulling and yanking, making it hurt and wail, all the while smiling to myself knowing that I was causing it more grief than it was causing me. Throughout this battle of wills, I woke everyday to positive vibes, uplifting comments, encouragement, powerful faith, good wishes, and strength from my family and friends. In the meantime, I knew how important it was to continue my exercise routine at NWPT, so I’d show up when I could, lifted what I could, pushed myself when I could, and (mostly) smiled when I could. Onward the weeks and months passed, each chemo session’s effects adding to the previous ones while I’m waiting for the magic number 6 to inch closer and closer brining an end to my chemo infusions, enabling me to keep my resolve from faltering. Now and then I’d find myself down, and along would come a precious family member, a dear friend, or someone in the checkout line saying she used to wear her hair like mine, voicing sincere, supporting words which helped me get right back on track. Although I’m almost 2/3 finished with my journey, I still have daily radiation to breeze through, and the enjoyment of discovering what kind of crazy hairdo I’ll be blessed with everyday for almost a year. (I’m secretly wishing for curls like Derrick’s not the Chia Pet variety that I’ll likely have). Learning from others, my inspiration comes from anyone who has had physical or mental challenges of their own, far worse than mine, living their life with a positive attitude and carrying on as best as they are able. Sincere thanks to NWPT and the friends I’ve made there who continue to support me throughout my life’s detour. Thanks Lacy for being a terrific trainer with a big heart and the best laugh in the universe. Thanks Leah, Molly, Trevor, Sherri, Kristin, and Derrick who I’ve had the painful pleasure of participating in their classes. Thanks to Rob, Justin, Marijka, and Lilian who always greet me with a “Hey,” or a “How are you doing?” NWPT is first class and one of my favorite places!!